Instagram launches new 'Checkout' feature
It seems that every day social media is changing to integrate itself more into our daily lives and today is no different.
This week Instagram began a small test with 20 brands in the United States to overhaul the way business sell to consumers.
‘Checkout with Instagram’ integrates a businesses store into the Instagram app so consumers can add products to their basket and pay without having to leave Instagram. Some of the brands participating in this test include Adidas, Warby Parker & teen favourite Kylie Cosmetics.
Right now Instagram isn't disclosing how much it expects businesses to pay to use this feature but does say it shouldn't cost consumers anything extra for their products. We will have to wait and see if businesses are happy to absorb the cost.
After a consumer buys something through Instagram they will even be able to track the delivery of the product. Users will also get notifications when the products ships. The way consumers see the products seems unchanged, users will see Ads with product tags, click them but rather than being taken to a third party site through Instagrams built-in browser they will instead be able to pay there and then.
The first time you go to buy a product Instagram will save your card information for future purchases “With their protected payment information in one place, they can shop their favourite brands without needing to log in and enter their information multiple times,” Instagram explains.
This is a positive change for people tired of having to sign up to multiple websites and stores just to buy a single item. Instagram has promised no information will be shared with business other than what is necessary to fulfil their order.
It seems as this is only the start as Instagram has already announced a myriad of payment partners including Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, American Express & Discover with plans to allow merchants to integrate Shopify, BigCommerce, ChannelAdvisor, CommerceHub and other tools with the Checkout feature in the coming months. Previously Instagram announced they will be launching a dedicated App just for shopping which seems destined to shake up the market when you consider they have over 1 Billion users.
While this feature isn't here for everyone just yet its never too early to contact us at UNBXD to find out how we can help grow your business through Social media marketing & strategic ad campaign management.
Get in touch with a member of the team today.
